Why do people die? It’s because they grow old, their bodily functions decline, and when one day the body’s parts completely give out, the person vanishes into nothingness.

But that mysterious energy, which can nurture life, also prevents people from aging and deteriorating. Once the speed of nurturing life balances out, or even surpasses, the speed of human aging, then a person can achieve immortality.

The “Longevity Manual” truly lives up to its name as the path to immortality, Peter Thompson couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

Although he had figured out the essence hidden behind immortality, for Peter Thompson at this moment, it didn’t offer any real help. Knowing something is one thing; being able to do it is another. Back then, Ge Hong surely also saw through the wonders of this technique, which is why he named it the “Longevity Manual,” implying that practicing it could lead to immortality. Unfortunately, even with his extraordinary talent, he still couldn’t make the speed of nurturing life surpass his own aging, so at four hundred years old, he was still taken away by death.

Even though he knew that seeking immortality was wishful thinking, Peter Thompson was still in a good mood. The process of understanding, developing, and mastering something is always a long journey. Just like the universal truth hidden in an apple falling to the ground, it took Newton to discover it, then for that truth to be expanded upon, and finally applied in daily life—it was a long process.

Going from mysterious, to not mysterious, and even to vaguely seeing its essence, is in itself a milestone of progress.

The next day, Peter Thompson still got up early and rode his bike to Chuyang Terrace at Geling, practicing until seven o’clock before heading down the mountain. Because he had to teach Lucy Spencer at eight thirty, Peter Thompson didn’t return to school as usual. Instead, he pushed his bike and strolled slowly along Beishan Road.

Chapter 12: Not Getting Up? Spanking Time!

The fiery red sun dispelled the mist shrouding West Lake, revealing several small islands on the lake.

A gentle breeze stirred the surface of the lake, sending tiny ripples across the water.

The cicadas had already started chirping on the weeping willows by West Lake, heralding another hot summer day.

The heat of summer couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of tourists strolling around West Lake. By this time, the lakeside had already shaken off the tranquility of early morning, becoming crowded and a bit noisy.

Huanglong Elegant Garden was on the northeast side of West Lake, not far across the lake, but there was still some distance from Geling to Huanglong Elegant Garden.

Peter Thompson walked slowly; sometimes walking is a great way to relax and rest.

On the way, Peter Thompson casually bought some breakfast to fill his stomach. By the time he arrived at Huanglong Elegant Garden, it was almost eight o’clock.

Peter Thompson had a strong sense of time. Seeing that there was still about half an hour left, he found a shaded bench in the neighborhood, sat down, took out the book on energy studies he had read the night before from his backpack, and began reading intently.

Peter Thompson was a born scholar. Even with such a dry book, he felt time pass especially quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was already eight twenty-five.

Peter Thompson put away the book, identified the location of Mr. Spencer’s home, then got up and left the bench.

Ding dong! At exactly eight thirty, Peter Thompson pressed the doorbell.

The doorbell rang for quite a while before Peter Thompson heard footsteps inside the room.

A pink tank top and a pair of short white silk pajama shorts perfectly accentuated Lucy Spencer’s tall, budding, and youthful figure.

Peter Thompson felt his heart skip a beat against his will. He could vaguely see Lucy Spencer’s not-yet-fully-developed little “white rabbits” bouncing behind her tank top.

The short tank top didn’t fully cover Lucy Spencer’s abdomen, revealing part of her flat, smooth stomach and her cute belly button.

Lucy Spencer was completely unaware that her sleepwear had the power to turn a gentleman into a beast.

Lucy Spencer glanced at Peter Thompson, then, still bleary-eyed, turned and walked away. As she walked, she stretched, exposing a large area of her smooth, delicate back.

Clearly, she was still half-asleep!

Peter Thompson shook his head and casually closed the door. By this time, Lucy Spencer had already flopped onto the soft Simmons mattress with a thud, continuing her sweet dreams.

Lucy Spencer sprawled out on the bed, not even bothering to close the door. Her long legs were smooth and glistening, and above them was her slightly raised, beautiful, and alluring bottom.

“Class time! Time to get up!” Peter Thompson put his backpack on the sofa and called out toward the open room.

“Ugh, don’t bother me, I still want to sleep!” Lucy Spencer was still lying on the bed, making a lazy, unwilling, and muffled sound.

Peter Thompson’s expression changed slightly. Last night this girl schemed against him, and he hadn’t even settled the score with her yet. Now, on the very first day, she dared to ignore her new teacher. If this continued, wouldn’t she end up being treated like a queen?

In the past, when students tried to be lazy and stay in bed, Peter Thompson would usually go over and gently pat their bottoms. On one hand, it served as a punishment; on the other, this affectionate gesture sometimes helped deepen the bond between teacher and student.

“Hurry up and get up! If you don’t, I’ll spank you!” Peter Thompson blurted out.

Lucy Spencer didn’t move at all, not even bothering to reply.

Peter Thompson stood up, swung his arm, and walked straight into Lucy Spencer’s room.